Village Board Debates Electric Signs, Swears in New Police Officer

A zoning variance request by the newly-opened to install an electronic message center sign stirred a debate among village trustees at the about the viability of the current sign ordinance. 

explained that due to the medical facility's location in a commercially-zone area, an electronic message center sign has the potential to negatively impact the character of the U.S. Route 30 commercial district.

Amy Stevens, chief operating officer for Provena, appealed the denial. Standing before the board, she said. "The New Lenox Healing Arts Pavilion is the new home to a wide variety of Provena Saint Joseph medical Center services aimed at improving the wellness of our community while also providing urgent care and ongoing clinical support to those suffering injury and illness."

Highlighting the fact that Provena has demonstrated an investment in the overall health and welfare of the community, she explained that the sign is necessary to draw attention to the unique nature of the facility, she said. It is not a typical doctor's office building. Rather, it is intended to provide a holistic approach, including overall fitness as it collaborates with the time constraints of women today.    

"A static, text-only sign cannot convey the variety and complexity of services that will be offered on a routine basis (at the center), or the multitude of rotating classes," according to Stevens. 

Having reviewed the request before the board meeting, broached the question of whether or not the existing sign ordinance was up-to-date with current trends.

Board members agreed that a review of the ordinance was a worthwhile endeavor. Mayor Tim Baldermann added that he favored the style of Provena's proposal and would like to see that design populate the business district along U.S. Route 30.

The board agreed to review the ordinance and invited Stevens to attend the Sept. 15 review session. 

Fuller's Car Wash gets special use permit to build on plot

Plans by the incoming easily gathered permission for a special use permit necessary to build a freestanding car wash in a general business district. The car wash facility is expected to enhance the area around Lincolnway Drive and U.S. Route 30. The architecturally appealing design along with the donation of land to accommodate an sidewalk installation project on U.S. Route 30 reined in support from the trustees and village staff.

New Lenox police officer sworn in

The newest member of the , Tim Perry, 25, was sworn in by Baldermann. Perry, who previously served as a police officer at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, will continue his career in New Lenox. 

Lincoln-Way West student nets support for Girl Scout project

Deidre Dalton, a 15-year-old sophomore at told the board that she was working on a project to gain the Gold Award for , the highest award in Girl Scouting. 

Dalton added, "no one in New Lenox has ever earned it."

The purpose of her project, entitled "Find Your Child's Passion," is to encourage children and their parents to get more involved in available New Lenox activities.

"I felt that if a child can find a passion in and organization, they will become a better teen and adult."

Dalton, whose advisor is Nick DiSandro, Board President and member of the , has organized a free outreach event from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Sept. 15 at Liberty Junior High School.

She asked and received the board's support.